Steven Walter was sentenced five years, four of which were suspended. He was ordered to serve one year under house arrest and fined, court officials said.

Walter, 51, pleaded guilty Oct. 29 to two counts of accepting bribes from defendants to fix cases while employed with the district attorney. Walter was arrested July 30 on the charges by investigators with the Attorney General's Public Integrity Division.

Three witnesses testified during Monday's sentencing hearing. Dr. James Johnson said he had known Walter more than a year and had worked with him to revitalize abandoned houses in the community. Johnson said Walter was unusual and extremely dedicated.

"I don't think that he knew what he was doing was wrong," Johnson said. "I think his crime was more of a stupid act."

Another character witness, the Rev. Claude Tucker Sr., said Johnson was trying to help the family of a defendant.